Contraband Album Discussion

[crackerdude]

It is a solid album. Its not amazing but I think its good. I think its better than Libertad too. Libertad just has too many weak songs in comparison.

[Shangri]

In my opinion people who say that Contraband is not good, are people that don't understand that VR is a "hard rock band"... (please, don't take it bad)
Contraband is great it's a R&R album!!! you play it, pump up!! and start to blow your mind, you sing, scream, and even cry (Loving the Alien is unique)...
For me that record got everything, complete and perfect as a debut...

[Five Star Edge]

loved the songs on contraband, not a fan of how they mixed the album.

I found Libertad to be boring, with a couple of exceptions of course.

[loungefly611]

Contraband is a great hard rock debut. It was definitely an album had alot of songs with hit single written all over it. Although as custom with many supergroup bands, I sat there for the first few listens saying to myself, 'That sounds like GNR, that song sounds like STP.'

Libertad in contrast sounds like a much more cohesive album on a whole, just not as many stand out tracks or ready made singles.

[Aaron]

Contraband is a great hard rock debut. It was definitely an album had alot of songs with hit single written all over it. Although as custom with many supergroup bands, I sat there for the first few listens saying to myself, 'That sounds like GNR, that song sounds like STP.'

Libertad in contrast sounds like a much more cohesive album on a whole, just not as many stand out tracks or ready made singles.

Agreed

I like both, but I'll take the song writing and Weiland's melodies on Libertad over Contraband anyday

[Art School Boy]

i like libertad better. i just was unimpressed by contraband as a whole. i really like 1/2 the songs but the rest i just want to be over. i can honestly say i like every song off of libertad.

[Aaron]

i like libertad better. i just was unimpressed by contraband as a whole. i really like 1/2 the songs but the rest i just want to be over. i can honestly say i like every song off of libertad.

Me too.  With the exception of "Can't Get it Outta my head". 

[rushp1]

Contraband is my favorite album of the 2000's. what a great debut!

"Sucker Train Blues" is one of those truly great album openers - and it gets better the whole rest of the way.

expectations for "the Project" were so high and im glad that moment in rock history was made, even if VR never releases another thing

[SilvergunSuperman]

Contraband is my favorite album of the 2000's. what a great debut!

"Sucker Train Blues" is one of those truly great album openers - and it gets better the whole rest of the way.

expectations for "the Project" were so high and im glad that moment in rock history was made, even if VR never releases another thing

You nailed it - STB is an awesome opener! I don't listen to the album much anymore, though.

[StoneTempleBrett]

Better than Libertad, way more inspired.  Scott's melodies are more more catchy on Contraband (Dirty Little Thing, Slither, Sucker Train Blues, Big Machine, Fall To Pieces, Do It For The Kids).

[Sethynator]

I liked more songs On Contraband but the songs that I liked on libertad i liked more than the ones I liked on Contraband, If that makes sense.

[Aaron]

I liked more songs On Contraband but the songs that I liked on libertad i liked more than the ones I liked on Contraband, If that makes sense.

hehe

That makes sense.

You're basically saying Libertad had stronger songs, but not as many of them. 

[gizallinyabiz]

I thought Contraband was great...The shit comes blastin on in your face like this is what it is bitches so take that shit you know you like it...hahaha...one of the only albums ive heard that i can just put it in the cd player and let it go

[Art School Boy]

Me too.  With the exception of "Can't Get it Outta my head". 

yeah im with you there. i didnt really like them all at first but all of them grew on me besides that one.

[remraf]

Contraband is great, but the production sucks SO bad.  It's a shame really.  I never 'got' Do It For The Kids, though.  It was a live staple, and some seemed to love it.  I think it's one of the worst songs Weiland has ever done.  Loving The Alien Sometimes, however, THAT is an under-appreciated song...

Not that you asked, but Libertad is great too - but for me that includes a burnt disc that includes Messages and Psycho Killer along with the album proper.  Libertad is just so much better with those 2 songs mixed in there.